Harmony Week takes place from 15 to 21 March 2025. Harmony Week originated in Western Australia as an opportunity for Western Australians to recognise, discuss and celebrate our cultural diversity. It began as ‘Harmony Day’ in 1998 and was celebrated on 21 March — the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The UN chose 21 March as it was the day of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre when police fired on a peaceful demonstration against apartheid laws in South Africa.
In 2003, due to community concerns about holding public celebrations on the date of the massacre, the WA Government changed Harmony Day to Harmony Week. The WA Government wanted to celebrate this State’s cultural diversity by organising events over a week. This means that we celebrate the benefits of our cultural diversity for six days and reserve 21 March for reflection and discussion.
Harmony Week resources
Harmony Week is for everyone. It is an opportunity for all Western Australians to celebrate our vibrant and diverse multicultural State. Harmony Week resources are available to assist you organise your own community event, work morning tea or school assembly.
2021 Census Diversity DataHarmony Week Education Kit for Schools
Project planning resources, including a budget template, a project plan template and an Event Management Planning Guide. You are welcome to use these resources to support your grant application and for general project or event planning.